Request Rent Reduction
Create your rent reduction request letter
Rent Reduction in Switzerland — Your Right for Significant Apartment Defects
If your apartment suffers from significant defects, you as a tenant in Switzerland have the right to rent reduction. The Swiss Code of Obligations (Art. 259a CO) allows a reduction of rent if the landlord fails to remedy a reported defect despite a written request. Typical cases: persistent noise from construction, mould, defective heating or lack of hot water. The rent reduction must be requested and justified in writing. Our form creates the letter in 2 minutes — with all relevant details, legally sound under Swiss law, instantly downloadable as PDF and Word.
How much rent reduction can I demand?
Typically 5–30% of rent depending on severity. A court decides in case of dispute. Severe cases (e.g. uninhabitability) can reach up to 100%.
Must I first send a defect complaint?
Yes. Before demanding rent reduction, you must have reported the defect in writing and set a repair deadline.
Can the landlord reject the rent reduction?
Yes, they can contest it. In that case the conciliation authority or rent court decides. Your written letter is important evidence.